I think that when “I love you” is said to Damon it’s going to be really specific, deliberate, and very special. I don’t think Elena could have said, “I love you, Damon” and even if she does love him, even if she has these deep feelings for him, because she still loves Stefan and to respect that relationship and to be committed in that moment as she decided to choose that relationship, she couldn’t say it. You know, there’s still that story left to tell before those words can come out of her mouth.
Julie Plec
